News Articles by Dan Martin

INFLATION

d_martin4 — 2018-11-19 20:41:37 UTC

19th Nov 2018

BREXIT

d_martin4 — 2018-11-19 20:42:56 UTC

19th Nov 2018

SUPPLY and DEMAND

d_martin4 — 2018-11-19 20:43:56 UTC

19th Nov 2018

SUPPLY and DEMAND

d_martin4 — 2018-11-19 20:44:44 UTC

19th Nov 2018

Government Intervention

d_martin4 — 2018-11-19 20:45:55 UTC

19th Nov 2018

UK Poverty

d_martin4 — 2018-11-19 21:46:14 UTC

19th Nov 2018

Sugar Tax

d_martin4 — 2018-11-26 20:33:23 UTC

26th Nov2018

Macro Economics - China

d_martin4 — 2018-11-26 20:45:24 UTC

26th Nov 2018

Supply and Demand

d_martin4 — 2018-11-26 20:50:18 UTC

26th Nov 2018

Redundancies - Labour Market Macro

d_martin4 — 2018-11-26 20:54:49 UTC

Regional Inequality

d_martin4 — 2018-11-29 11:29:14 UTC

29th Nov 2018

No deal Brexit

d_martin4 — 2018-12-12 09:40:59 UTC

12th December 2018

CMA Investigation merger Sainsbury and Asda

d_martin4 — 2018-12-12 09:42:38 UTC

12th December 2018

CMA takeover investigation

d_martin4 — 2018-12-12 09:44:40 UTC

12th December 2018

De-merit good Govt intervention

d_martin4 — 2018-12-12 09:46:21 UTC

12th December 2018

Subsidy

d_martin4 — 2018-12-12 09:52:54 UTC

12th December 2018

Shift in Demand and possible Spillover effect.

d_martin4 — 2019-01-01 11:49:53 UTC

1st Jan 2019

Fish Farms. Demand, supply and externalities

d_martin4 — 2019-01-31 18:37:21 UTC

31st Jan 2019

Car Investment and Brexit . AS and AD

d_martin4 — 2019-01-31 18:39:45 UTC

31st Jan 2019

Magnum stockpiles. Brexit

d_martin4 — 2019-01-31 19:21:23 UTC

31st Jan 2019

Environment and externalities

d_martin4 — 2019-01-31 19:23:43 UTC

31st Jan 2019

Have real wages fallen over the last ten years

d_martin4 — 2019-01-31 19:27:36 UTC

31st Jan 2019

UCAS Applications

d_martin4 — 2019-02-23 22:06:52 UTC

Links to External Benefits, Merit Goods, possible government failure. You may need to login in with your ft

Why do footballers earn so much?

d_martin4 — 2019-03-08 06:22:42 UTC

Especially for A2 students and not really a news article!

New Britbox Streaming Service

d_martin4 — 2019-03-08 06:30:29 UTC

What market structure best fits the streaming services available legally in the UK? COnsider the question of contestability too.

University gives degree credits for improving fitness

d_martin4 — 2019-04-04 12:49:59 UTC

This is an unusual policy. Concerned by increasing numbers of overweight students this university has made running compulsory for all students

Cauliflower shortage

d_martin4 — 2019-09-08 07:21:30 UTC

Whilst lots of us might not like them, it seems cauliflowers might be hard to find in shops soon.

Banana-geddon!

d_martin4 — 2019-09-08 07:32:17 UTC

Are bananas about to become extinct? What could the economic effects of this story be?

Government Action to reduce alcohol consumption

d_martin4 — 2019-10-01 20:07:12 UTC

Demand and Supply

d_martin4 — 2019-10-03 20:28:26 UTC

Greggs are clearly worried there will be an impact on the supply of their ingredients. Can you use a diagram to show what might happen?

Cheaper to use new plastic than recycled?

d_martin4 — 2019-10-13 19:37:31 UTC

This article is all about supply and demand. Can you explain what is going on using diagrams? What action could or should be taken by government?

Helium Shortage - More than just balloons

d_martin4 — 2019-10-13 19:56:48 UTC

Another problem that can be explained by economics. What has happened here and is it important? (Hint yes it is!)

FT.com story about French Tabacs

d_martin4 — 2019-10-14 20:51:53 UTC

You may need to log in to access this story. Try logging in with Google once you've signed in with your Priestley email if you can't remember your details.

Spending Promises at the start of 2019 General Election campaign

d_martin4 — 2019-11-08 22:26:44 UTC

Is this a return to Keynesianism? Both big parties pledge huge increases in public spending

What Economic problems lie ahead for the UK

d_martin4 — 2019-11-09 15:19:04 UTC

Petrol rationing in Iran

d_martin4 — 2019-11-16 10:18:05 UTC

So much in this story to look at. Remember Iran has huge amounts of oil, why is it having to ration petrol?

Change in demand.

d_martin4 — 2019-11-20 22:08:34 UTC

How could producers react in the short and long run?

Using Economics to nudge behaviour

d_martin4 — 2020-02-08 21:33:58 UTC

Watch this video, it's amazing. How to stop people beeping horns in traffic jams!
Links to behavioural economics in A2

Stopping free cash withdrawals hits the poorest most

d_martin4 — 2020-02-08 21:44:06 UTC

What effect has this had on equality in the UK?

Applied Demand and Supply

d_martin4 — 2020-02-08 21:49:49 UTC

Good practice for using demand and Supply analysis.

House prices increasing

d_martin4 — 2020-02-08 21:55:16 UTC

What are the main factors behind the increase in house prices?

Externalities in Venice

d_martin4 — 2020-02-08 22:03:35 UTC

Lots of good examples of externalities affecting one of the most beautiful cities in the world. What policies could be used to address these problems.

Market Failure and government intervention

d_martin4 — 2020-03-01 21:48:07 UTC

We'll be looking at this as part of our revision in class..

Negative Oil Prices

d_martin4 — 2020-05-15 20:12:43 UTC

Incredibly traders were offering to pay you to take oil off their hands! Can you explain why?

Oil Price recovery

d_martin4 — 2020-05-15 20:14:15 UTC

Identify changes to both supply and demand here that explain what has happened. Using a demand and supply diagram would help as well!

Computer Game Demand soars

d_martin4 — 2020-05-15 20:16:48 UTC

In the lock down this is a boom industry. I have even borrowed my son's FIFA 19 and Preston are now in the Champions League places/ Can you use economics analysis to explain why?

Flour Shortage

d_martin4 — 2020-05-15 20:21:58 UTC

Lots of economics in this short article. Why is it so hard to buy flour?

Tunnocks Wafer Crisis!

d_martin4 — 2020-05-16 11:00:02 UTC

This article is all about one of the best biscuit/cakes ever. If you have never had one then try to get hold of some...........if you can!

No Wimbledon means too many strawberries

d_martin4 — 2020-05-22 09:24:03 UTC

The cancellation of top events this summer is likely to mean lower prices for strawberries in shops. Can you explain why?

Specialisation of Labour

d_martin4 — 2020-05-22 09:29:58 UTC

This video was taken in a fruit and veg market in India. Apart from the obvious safety concerns, how does this fit with specialisation of labour and Adam Smith;s ideas??

Government intervention to help people lose weight

d_martin4 — 2020-09-07 19:59:49 UTC

What is the best way the government can act to help people eat more healthily. A common question on Economics papers!

Champagne crisis

d_martin4 — 2020-09-07 20:02:02 UTC

Whilst I prefer Bovril to Champagne I know not many people do! This story looks at how champagne suppliers are trying to keep the price of their product high.

Is GDP meaningful anymore?

d_martin4 — 2020-09-07 20:04:31 UTC

This is for second year students mainly. It's a deep article and will make you think. Diane Coyle is a highly respected Economics Professor. I expect you all to read it.......

Is Happiness more important than GDP?

d_martin4 — 2020-09-07 20:07:06 UTC

The government of New Zealand thinks it might be. This article looks at how more importance is being given to measuring happiness and wellbeing than ever before.

Alcohol Ban in South Africa - Pineapple Prices soar!

d_martin4 — 2020-09-07 20:12:20 UTC

Can you explain why these two things are so strongly linked?

Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels shortage

d_martin4 — 2020-09-08 19:49:36 UTC

If a possible shortage of Wagon Wheels isn't enough to get your attention then there is something wrong!

Demand for outdoor patio heaters causes shortages

d_martin4 — 2020-11-17 13:56:58 UTC

Think about PED here. Why are these devices in such high demand?

Contestability. Networks stopped from selling locked phones

d_martin4 — 2020-11-17 14:03:25 UTC

Will this improve contestability in the mobile phone market? Why?

Costs in a cup of coffee

d_martin4 — 2020-12-29 12:23:47 UTC

Lots of things to take from this picture. When businesses complain about business rates look at the proportion of the cost of a cup of coffee they account for!

Regulatory Capture?

d_martin4 — 2021-01-03 15:59:24 UTC

Interesting article from the New York Times. Meat farmers have been lobbying to stop vegan producers calling their products burgers and sausages. What do you think happened?

Externalities from gambling

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 20:53:31 UTC

218,000 people spend more than £1800 pm on gambling. Think about the externalities from this sort of externality

Negative interest rates

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 20:57:43 UTC

What could this mean for the UK economy?

Negative interest rates evaluation

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 23:36:00 UTC

A different source discussing negative interest rates. This is PWC, one of the big accountancy firms. You could end up working for them if you work hard.

Macro Unemployment background

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 23:43:37 UTC

This tweet is via Geoff Riley from tutor2u and should help supplement your work on unemployment

Unemployment BBC News at 10 Jan 2021

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 23:46:46 UTC

A real life context and discusses the benefit of the furlough scheme

Micro and Macro effects in the same story

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 23:48:47 UTC

So much micro and macro to get your teeth into here. Consider the impact on market prices e.g. for roof tiles and also the consequences for SRAS. Construction material shortages could delay UK housebuilding.

Pandemic effect on global economy

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 23:50:34 UTC

This article has a series of graphs and charts looking at the effects of the pandemic on economic indicators. How many could you explain?

Behavioural Economics

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 23:54:04 UTC

How can nudge theory be used to increase savings? Is this even desirable at the moment?

Impress your family!

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 23:56:40 UTC

If you're asked at home "Where does the government borrow its money from?" This should help you explain

How GDP is shared globally

d_martin4 — 2021-02-04 23:59:20 UTC

A really great article with a brilliant graphic

A total ban on cigarettes in New Zealand?

d_martin4 — 2021-04-18 19:20:06 UTC

What market failure is going on here? Will this policy work? Are there better alternatives?

Behavioural Economics

d_martin4 — 2021-04-18 19:23:59 UTC

This is a simple example of behavioural Economics to change people's behaviour. Can you think of any other ways the same principle could be used?

Nudge theory to boost vaccine take up

d_martin4 — 2021-05-16 20:32:06 UTC

Which message had the biggest impact on take up do you think? This study shows the type of message, time of day and how far in advance the message was sent

Free e-cigarettes?

d_martin4 — 2021-05-16 20:35:49 UTC

A different way of tackling market failure from smoking

Calories on pint glasses??

d_martin4 — 2021-05-16 20:47:50 UTC

Would adding calorie information to pints of beer be effective in reducing over consumption? Why? Can you use a diagram to explain? Does this help to improve market failure from a lack of information?

GAP is closing ALL it's UK stores

d_martin4 — 2021-07-03 14:24:06 UTC

Why would GAP want to close all 81 of it's shops in the UK? When was the last time you went into a GAP shop or even bought anything from GAP online?

Impact of betting shops

d_martin4 — 2021-08-23 19:13:19 UTC

This article talks about the correlation between poorer communities and the number of betting shops in the area. Why might this be?

Demand and Supply for camping equipment

d_martin4 — 2021-08-23 19:17:51 UTC

Did you have a camping holiday this year? You weren't the only one. Can you identify the factors affecting demand and Supply in this story?

Price Discrimination

d_martin4 — 2021-09-12 14:04:12 UTC

Can you explain how this would be an example of price discrimination? What is Tesco hoping to achieve?

Market Domination

d_martin4 — 2021-09-12 14:06:39 UTC

China is producing the overwhelming majority of all steel globally. How might this affect the market and domestic market structures?

Demand and supply for pasta

d_martin4 — 2021-09-12 14:09:12 UTC

There a re a few supply and demand factors at play here. Can you spot them all and use a diagram to explain what is happening?

Financial Times - Hotel Laundry problems

d_martin4 — 2021-09-12 14:11:59 UTC

What i shappeneing here? Why are hotels struggling t o get their laundry clean?

Backround on China

d_martin4 — 2021-09-12 14:14:52 UTC

China is increasingly dominating certain global markets but what do you know abot th ecountry. This link gives some context by showing the size of different national populations in comparison to that of individual Chinese provinces or counties.

Barter instead of cash

d_martin4 — 2021-09-12 14:17:05 UTC

Venezuela is a really good country to have some key information on. It has huge oil reserves but also incredible rates of inflation.
This 2 minute vidoe looks at hat happens when people no longer trust the value of a currency.

10 million percent inflation!!

d_martin4 — 2021-09-18 15:22:23 UTC

This article is a couple of years old but s full of Economics about what can happen when an economy spirals out of control....

Gas shortage in the UK

d_martin4 — 2021-09-21 07:58:09 UTC

Good background information for the current Gas crisis 21st Sept

Labour markets- Geographical immobility

d_martin4 — 2021-11-06 08:30:05 UTC

Why is there a shortage fo housing in Cornwall? What factors might be casung this? What is the knock on effect going to be on the supply of workers for key sectors such as the NHS?

IKEA - Supply issues

d_martin4 — 2021-11-06 08:32:13 UTC

Can you identify the demand and supply factors that could lead to prices rising in IKEA?

Languages around the world

d_martin4 — 2021-11-06 10:09:51 UTC

Can you apply your knowledge of supply and demand to anticipate where the demand for linguistic skills could lead in the future?

Competitive markets

d_martin4 — 2021-11-06 10:11:21 UTC

A great story for second year students looking at the degree of competition in a market. Why has JD Sports been told it must sell Foot Asylum? Do you agree it's necessary?

Market Share examples

d_martin4 — 2021-11-06 10:15:20 UTC

This tweet from an Economics teacher in Ireland has two great info graphics that you can use to support your studies of market structures.

Correcting Market Failure. A way to encourage people to give up drugs

d_martin4 — 2021-11-06 10:17:09 UTC

This is a controversial policy to try to reduce the problem of drug addiction. Do you think paying people to stop using drugs would work? Why?

Competition Policy

d_martin4 — 2021-11-06 10:20:30 UTC

Another great example about regulators investigating a takeover. This time for Morrisons.

Correcting Market Failure - Stopping people smoking

d_martin4 — 2021-11-07 17:32:48 UTC

Do you think this would work? Would printing this message on every cigareete stop people smoking? Why? Do people already know that smoking is bad for them? If so will this help?

Behavioural Economics

d_martin4 — 2021-11-07 21:10:04 UTC

Watch this short video for another great example of changing behaviour in a creative way. Remember to have behavioural economcis ideas ready as an alternative to mainstream traiditional policies!

Will sanctions work?

d_martin4 — 2022-02-28 21:14:36 UTC

This graphic gives an idea of who the trading partners of Russia are.

Labour market info.

d_martin4 — 2022-02-28 21:19:15 UTC

These are the hardest to fill jobs and with the quickest rising wages. Can you use theory to explain why ?

Demerit goods

d_martin4 — 2022-02-28 21:22:32 UTC

Mexico is trying to ban all sugary drinks and junk food being sold to children. Will it work?

Big Mac index over time

d_martin4 — 2022-02-28 21:31:42 UTC

Really good graphic showing the changes in the relative price of Big Macs around the world. Can you explain how the Big Mac index works and what it shows?

Impact of Ukraine war on prices in the UK.

d_martin4 — 2022-03-15 10:13:31 UTC

This article is from the Guardian newspaper and covers lots of different Economic topics including fiscal policy, inflation, opportunity cost as well as the distribution of income and wealth.

Pay squeeze hits all public sector workers as inflation rises.

d_martin4 — 2022-04-13 15:03:22 UTC

There is so much Economic theory in here for you to work through! There are inks to labour market information as well as macoeconomics. Make sure you can explain all the different points.

Impact of rising wheat costs

d_martin4 — 2022-04-13 15:06:31 UTC

Wheat is a core ingredient for most of the food we eat and is not easily replaceable with a substitute. THe price of wheat matters in many ways. This article takes you through the different factors that are influencing the current spike in prices.

Smuggling to avoid sugar tax!

d_martin4 — 2022-04-13 15:14:50 UTC

This incredible story shows the uninitended consequences government policies can have. Keep this as an example of government failure!

Example of framing - Behavioural Economics

d_martin4 — 2022-04-15 18:47:33 UTC

Instead of being "out of stock" Amazon uses these name cards in its physical stores. Think about the difference this phrasing makes.

School holidays

d_martin4 — 2022-04-15 18:53:08 UTC

Look at the difference in price for flights to the holiday island of Menorca! I've highlighted the flight at the start and end of the May half term. Can you use Economic analysis of Supply and Demand to explain why they are at east 4 times more expensie than the other dates?

Behavioural Economics - Stairs

d_martin4 — 2022-05-03 07:55:56 UTC

An example of choice architecture being used creatively

Speed camera lottery

d_martin4 — 2022-05-03 07:58:43 UTC

Creating a positive outcome for speeding fines changes behaviour

Using questions to prime the respondent

d_martin4 — 2022-05-03 08:09:03 UTC

This clip is from a hit BBC comedy from the 1980s and shows how with some planning a series of questions can be asked that will lead to a particular outcome that the questioner wants to achieve.

Could Western countries create a monopsony to force Putin to accept lower prices for oil an gas?

d_martin4 — 2022-06-27 20:19:32 UTC

Taken from the Guardian newspaper 27/6/2022

Competition and Markets Authority

d_martin4 — 2022-09-12 20:39:01 UTC

Lots of information in here. What would the CMA be looking for when deciding whether to approve Morrisons takeover of McColls?

JD Sports forced to sell Foot Asylum

d_martin4 — 2022-09-12 20:41:48 UTC

But JD only bough Foot Asylum recently! What has gone wrong?

Online travel companies TravelSupermarket and Ice lolly merge

d_martin4 — 2022-09-12 20:49:27 UTC

This merger was announced in May 2021 and happened in September 2021. What do you think the reasons were that made this an attractive idea for both these firms?

Next warn impact of weak pound could keep prices higher for longer

d_martin4 — 2022-09-29 10:36:42 UTC

Can you explain why this would be the case?

Planning restrictions removed to aid growth

d_martin4 — 2022-09-29 10:45:44 UTC

Will this work? What is the chain of analysis? Could there be a risk of government failure? Why?

Bank of England intervene to buy up Government bonds.

d_martin4 — 2022-09-29 10:47:32 UTC

Can you explain the chain of analysis between this and the cost of borrowing for the government?

Free vapes to be given to pregnant smokers.

d_martin4 — 2023-04-14 14:44:24 UTC

Will this policy work in reducing smoking or is it an example of government failure just waiting to happen?

Wet wipes to be banned in UK

d_martin4 — 2023-04-14 14:50:39 UTC

Can you apply externality diagram analysis to explain what is going on in this story?

Macro - Relative size of national economies by GDP

d_martin4 — 2023-04-14 14:53:37 UTC

Vaping and consumption by children

d_martin4 — 2023-04-14 18:16:26 UTC

This article goes together with the blog from tutor2u on post next to it!

Tutor2U Blog on vaping

d_martin4 — 2023-04-14 18:19:02 UTC

Look at this blog along with the BBC article on Vaping amongst children

CMA - Music Streaming example

d_martin4 — 2023-04-14 18:31:06 UTC

The top 4 streaming services hae nearly 70% arket share between them but after investigating the CMA have decided that they are not abusing their market position. Read this article to find out more.

New plan to promote cycling and walking

d_martin4 — 2023-04-14 18:42:36 UTC

Use market failure analysis to explain why there is a case for government intervention in this market and critically evaluate the likely effectiveness of these plans.

Wet Wipe ban upsets parents

d_martin4 — 2023-04-14 19:22:53 UTC

Are these arguments enough to justify not going ahead with the ban?

Dynamic Pricing

d_martin4 — 2023-09-11 17:32:03 UTC

According to reports one large pub chain will charge 20p more per pint of beer at the weekend as well as charging more during major live sporting events shown in thier pubs. Can you apply economic theory to this example?

Cost of fuel rises again

d_martin4 — 2023-10-04 05:06:02 UTC

Plenty of economics ideas here including price discrimination and the role of regulation

Example of CMA in action

d_martin4 — 2023-10-04 05:07:42 UTC

An example of a market wihere the CMA was able to prove anti competitive behaviour and collusion. Look at the size of the fine!

Dynamic pricing in pubs

d_martin4 — 2024-09-05 17:19:55 UTC

This pub chain charges more for drinks at weekends, what do you think of that?

Oasis Ticket Sales

d_martin4 — 2024-09-05 17:22:06 UTC

Were you one of those able to get a ticket for Oasis next year? How much did you pay?

The Financial Times view on the Oasis ticket sale situation.

d_martin4 — 2024-09-05 17:25:09 UTC

Disposable Vape ban

d_martin4 — 2024-11-08 14:54:26 UTC

Do you think this is a good idea? What impact will it have and will it work?

Mining and externalities

d_martin4 — 2024-11-08 15:01:29 UTC

The race to mine gold is causing unintended consequences in Ghana. What could be done to improve the situation?

Impact of tariffs

d_martin4 — 2025-02-04 15:11:37 UTC

Read this article for a clear and easy to understand infographic on the impact of Donald Trump's proposed new tarrifs. Consider the effect of Price elasticity of Demand!

Tit for tat?

d_martin4 — 2025-02-04 17:15:15 UTC

As other nations work out how to respond to the US threat of tariffs read this to see how Canada is preparing to hit back.

Foreign Aid cuts lead to medication shortages

d_martin4 — 2025-08-30 15:24:45 UTC

How does the idea of scarcity and opportunity cost underpin this story?

Government told to stop selling bonds to banks to reduce £22billion per year losses

d_martin4 — 2025-08-30 15:27:36 UTC

This is a tricky topic and shows where the government borrows money from and at what cost. Second year students should recognise the topic of Quantitative easing from Macroeconomics

Coffee

d_martin4 — 2025-08-30 15:32:16 UTC

Coffee shops seem to be springing up everywhere but what sets the price of the coffe bean that is essential for the drink?

Is this a supply story, a demand story or a mixture of both?

Tik Tok x Cucumbers x Iceland

d_martin4 — 2025-08-30 15:34:31 UTC

This is a pretty unlikely combo but read the story! What has cuased a shortage of the green salad vegetable in nation of Iceland? All very strange!

Milkshake tax??

d_martin4 — 2025-08-30 15:38:02 UTC

Fizzy drinks like Coca Cola and Fanta have faced a tax linked to their sugar content for a few years. How do you think these firms have adapted?

Why might milkshakes now face a similar action from the government?

China expands production of EV cars

d_martin4 — 2025-08-30 15:42:07 UTC

There is so much in this story it's hard to know where to start!

Why do you think electric vehicles are increasing in popularity? What are the leading EV manufacturers at the moment? What impact could China opening new factories around the world have on the countires they are in as well as globally?

Economics and political crisis in France

d_martin4 — 2025-10-07 14:33:04 UTC

This is quite a high level storybut containslots andlotsof macroeconomic ideas.

France is our closest neighbour and a major European power. What will happen next?

Monopsony power in agriculture

d_martin4 — 2025-11-26 19:54:54 UTC

Here the market for sugar in the UK is dominated by one major buyer, effectively giving them monopsony power. What might be the advantages and disadvantages of this to UK consumers?